Hello 51

April 5, 2025 Rally in Washington DC

​People eager to express themselves surrounded the Washington National Monument. They weren’t outwardly angry; instead, they sought hope that their presence would signify something meaningful. The old, the young, and babies in strollers filled the grounds. Denis and I flew into Ronald Reagan National Airport to attend the rally. No more all-night buses for me!
A television personality is our elected president. Many feel insecure and fearful because democracy, free speech, the rule of law, and due process are being ignored by the new administration. Where are the guardrails for the presidency? Oh, right, Congress- nope; the courts- maybe; it takes too long to be effective during this breakneck speed. The justice system’s role is to ensure society’s safety, peace, and fairness. It is designed to uphold laws and protect individual rights. It is a slow but reliable process, or it has been. 
Why is it important for us to show up and hold signs during protests? 
Ruth Bader Ginsberg answered, “If your voice held no power, they wouldn’t try to silence you.” 
We, the people, hold the power to demonstrate our resilience against a tyrant, a billionaire, and the select few who are destroying America. We cannot allow this to happen.

The 47th president won the election with $290 million donated by a billionaire and 49.97% of the votes from people who believed he would address their ills. 

​As Day 1 of the new administration came to a close, the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol in 2021 were pardoned; U.S. membership in the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement disappeared, and a crackdown on immigration and DEI programs commenced. In the days and months that followed, the Trump/Musk administration continued to overstep its authority regarding the courts, Congress, and the public. Democracy is fading. We cannot allow this to happen.

For decades, this nation has promoted equality and respect for minority rights. The U.S. Constitution has been amended, civil rights laws have been enacted, and progress toward equality has been made. While we haven’t been perfect, signing the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” Executive Order, which adversely affects the military, education, and many other sectors, this president has marginalized the significance of minorities in America. We cannot allow this to happen.

Those of us with elderly parents understand that immigrants provide essential care for them. A caregiver from Guatemala bathed and dressed my mom in her nursing home, adding a flower to her hair each morning!  Many of our childcare workers and farm laborers are immigrants. Except for Native Americans, we’re all immigrants! The United States has been a melting pot for hundreds of years. We are neighbors. We are friends. Treat them with respect!

Three months into the administration, numerous changes have taken place. Healthcare, food security, and education are under attack. The daily Executive Orders aim to create confusing chaos, especially for those who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other national safety nets. And what about our federal workers who were dismissed and then recalled, only to be placed on administrative leave? Democracy is in the shadows. We cannot allow this to continue.

This is exhausting! For the past decade, since Trump entered the political scene, our energy and attention have been focused on federal actions like a child watching television. First, he targeted Obama as a foreigner; then, he denied climate change; he took credit for overturning ROE v. Wade; then, he denied the existence of COVID-19 and spread misinformation; he refused to accept losing the 2020 presidential election and incited rioters to invade the U.S. Capitol while the electoral votes were being counted. Afterward, he retreated to his Florida compound and dictated the Republican plan for four years. He won the 2024 presidential election and has collaborated with Elon Musk, a billionaire, to dismantle federal departments. Trump demands our attention daily to see what tariff or threat comes next. 
At the National Monument, we spoke with people from around the country. We agreed improvements in government are necessary to keep pace with technological advances and the needs of Americans. However, these changes cannot be achieved through threats or disrespectful treatment. We cannot allow this to happen.
Our power lies in resisting the dismantling of our government. Continue protesting and writing letters to Congress. Work to elect representatives and senators who share your values. If you live in Massachusetts, support candidates in other states fighting for democracy. Write postcards (they are effective), call voters, or canvass in another state. Talk to your children, neighbors, and friends. Encourage them to get involved. The power is ​ours! SHOW UP. SPEAK UP. RESIST AUTOCRACY! SAVE DEMOCRACY!

Abraham Lincoln said that if you measure people by the color of their skin, there will always be someone darker or lighter than you! 
 
And I say, “If you measure a person by their gender, you will undoubtedly be surprised.”

​Thanks for reading. Leave a comment so I know you're out there.